A Day Just for Me
This year's "A Day Just for Me" program consists of small, private tours of the Page Springs Hatchery and Bubbling Ponds Hatchery, and a Bird Walk around Bubbling Ponds. This will be followed by lunch at Up the Creek Bistro and Wine Bar. Make your reservation to attend as soon as possible, as space is limited and RSVPs will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis (there will be a waitlist). Note that there is some uneven walking terrain during the tours. Because parking is extremely limited, we recommend carpooling.
WHEN: Wednesday, April, 12, 2023, 9:00am to 2:00pm
WHAT:Three different 45-minute guided tours:
Lunch at Up the Creek Bistro and Wine Bar, created by Chef Jim O'Meally.
COST: $30, includes tours and meal (main course, dessert, coffee/tea/soda, including tax and tip). Payment and meal choice (see below) must be received by April 4. Payment is nonrefundable, but if your plans change you may transfer your reservation to another member.
THE TOURS:
Registrants will be divided into three groups, and each group will participate in each tour.
Birding Adventure at Bubbling Ponds PreserveBubbling Ponds Preserve is the premiere birding destination in Sedona. The tour begins at the large Audubon sign next to the parking lot. From there, we will head out on a gentle stroll around the ponds identifying birds and discussing the ways in which we do that: visual, audio, habitat, behavior, and migrant status. In addition to the cast of resident birds who call this place their home, many of our summer migrants will have arrived. There will be lots of activity: singing, courtship, territorial disputes, chasing, and the magic of breeding season. We will touch upon the wildlife in the area as well. Trees, flowers and other fauna will be in their spring glory. Expect raptors, warblers, orioles, tanagers, towhees, waterfowl and grosbeaks just to name a few. Binoculars will enhance the experience but are not necessary. This is a flat, easy trail for about 3/4 of a mile. Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water are strongly recommended.
Bubbling Ponds Guided TourThis tour starts on the nature trail next to the parking lot. It begins with a description of the history of Bubbling Ponds and the water supply. We will talk about the fish raised here, stocking them around the state, and challenges the hatchery faces. We will then take a short walk to the ponds. As we walk around the ponds, we will periodically stop to discuss hatchery operations, and there may be an opportunity to feed some fish as well. There will be time for questions and answers throughout the tour and at the end.
Page Springs Fish Hatchery TourThis tour will begin outside the visitor center. From there, we will walk up the terrace to check out the habitat of the Page springsnail. We will then walk to the base of the parking lot to view the monarch butterfly garden, which was created to enhance butterfly habitat under the Western Monarch Butterfly Conservation Plan. After that, we will enter the visitor center and discuss the history of Page Springs Hatchery, as well as watch a short video. We will discuss what kind of fish are raised here, and will then proceed from the visitor center to the outside raceways. We will take a look at how the water enters and exits the facility and the different parts of the hatchery infrastructure, and will discuss the feeding and caretaking process for the fish. We will finish the presentation by discussing how fish are moved and transported for stocking as well as take a look at some of the fish on-site.
THE LUNCH:
Choose one:
(1) Verde chicken sandwich — marinated chicken breast, green chili, avocado, Swiss cheese, arugula, red onion, tomato, chipotle mayo
(2) BLTA — bacon, arugula, tomato, avocado, pesto mayo
(3) House-made veggie burger with Swiss cheese, arugula, tomato, red onion, chipotle mayo
(4) Verde cheese burger with choice of cheese, arugula, tomato, red onion, chipotle mayo
(5) Caesar salad with chicken, house-made lemon/lime/anchovy dressing, garlic croutons, pink peppercorns
All sandwiches come with choice of garlic/rosemary fries, or sweet potato fries. GF available upon request
Dessert: Buttermilk pie, Chantilly cream, house-made salted caramel
